Advice For the Next Austin Police Chief

I'm sad to see Art Acevedo go. I have a few notes for his successor.

By Sarah Thurmond | Photo by Bill Sallans

Published: January 1, 2017

Watching Art Acevedo address the press one last time as chief of the Austin Police Department last November, I was reminded of why I always liked the guy. Never before had I seen a city official so comfortable with emotions. Whether choking back tears or unleashing heated resentment, he never shied away from expressing his true feelings. Such displays got him into trouble during his nearly 10-year tenure in Austin. But, as he himself said that day, his outbursts always came from a place of deep love for being a cop. If the next chief loves the job half as much as his predecessor, we should be in safe hands.

I met Acevedo in September 2011, when I was part of a small media group touring the Boy Scouts’ new Frank Fickett Scout Training and Service Center. Acevedo was invited too, and when he showed up all of the attention shifted from the building to the city’s top law enforcement officer. Although he has a history with the Scouts, including work on an initiative to recruit at-risk youth into the organization, the reaction to his presence made me think that it must be a big deal to have him there. Note to the new chief: Get involved with local organizations. It’ll raise your profile in the community and build trust.

After that, I learned this was typical Acevedo. No matter how small or big an event—be it the opening of a Boy Scouts facility or a memorial for victims of the Orlando mass shooting outside of Rain nightclub last year—Acevedo showed up. When he did, he was a master at working a room—shaking hands, shooting the breeze, captivating his audience. Jovial and charismatic yet commanding respect, he had a way of making everyone feel at ease and honored to be in his presence.

Now that he’s been lured away by Houston, the void is going to be hard to fill. Mayor Steve Adler shared this sentiment in his statement about Acevedo’s departure. “Austin is losing a moral and joyous leader, and I’m losing a friend,” he said. “Losing Art Acevedo is a huge deal, and replacing him will be a daunting task in part because he gave so much of himself to his job and his community.” It’s true. Not many Austinites can name a member of the city council, but they know Acevedo. The man is a people person, and while that’s an innate quality for him, the new chief might want to likewise cultivate that skill. Making friends with the mayor is also a good idea.

Acevedo has been justifiably praised for his community policing efforts. He introduced Coffee with a Cop, in which residents could meet with officers at a McDonald’s once a month, and #ThumbsUp4Blue, where Acevedo asked people to give cops a thumbs-up to boost morale. Was this a little cheesy? Sure. Regardless whether these programs resulted in positive attitude shifts toward law enforcers, they were worthy attempts to build stronger relationships between cops and the people they protect. Keep this in mind: to earn points for effort, be creative with APD’s outreach. Get active on Twitter too. Acevedo used the social media platform like a pro.

Acevedo was by no means perfect. Often his candor—and not being the most eloquent speaker—got him into hot water. In 2014, he had to apologize for his insensitive comment following the arrest of a female jogger who allegedly didn’t obey police when they stopped her for jaywalking. “In other cities there’s cops who are actually committing sexual assaults on duty, so I thank God that this is what passes for a controversy in Austin, Texas,” he said, alluding to an incident involving a San Antonio officer accused of raping a driver that he pulled over. So save yourself grief: Always think before you speak.

As for political issues, Acevedo was ever willing to go on the record. He openly advocated for stricter gun laws and testified against a Texas Senate bill that would allow concealed handguns at state universities. When it came to immigration, he told the press that he’d “rather spend [his] time responding to public safety threats than going after the day laborer at the Home Depot.” Stand up for what you believe in; it demonstrates strong conviction. Just be prepared for any backlash.

Acevedo was lucky to be in Austin, a city—despite its booming population—that has consistently ranked near the top among safest cities in the United States. During his time here, between 2007 and 2015, violent crime dropped 26 percent, though there was a significant uptick in 2016. Concerned that APD was being stretched beyond its capacity, he asked the city to add 100 officers. He also urged the funding and reopening of the department’s DNA lab, which closed last year and left a backlog of untested sexual assault kits. These are serious needs the new chief will inherit. Other matters requiring attention are the fact that Austin has had too many officer-involved shootings and has experienced numerous claims of officer brutality. Put at the top of your priorities list: Restore the community’s trust.

The city is hiring a private firm to conduct the search for a new top cop, and it may take more than a year to find him or her. Interim chief Brian Manley has his work cut out for him and will need the support of the community. But, to again quote the infinitely quotable Acevedo, about the police force: “They are going to show their excellence. People think they are going to fail. They are not going to fail, because they are that good.” Aim to be just as good. We’ll be rooting for you.